1889-1891 John A. Hart

1889-1891 John A. Hart

(Lived 1845 - January 15, 1891)

Following his first term as mayor, Hart sold his interest in the Loomis & Hart Company to serve as president of the Chattanooga Stove Works. Hart also served as vice-president of the Mountain City Fire Department before being elected for a second term as mayor in 1889. During his second term, Mayor Hart led the city in a time of increased prosperity. Also during this term, plans for a bridge across the Tennessee River were completed and the Walnut Bridge was constructed.

During the summer of 1890, Mayor Hart suffered a stroke. He left the city to recuperate in Colorado but returned to the city after missing only one city meeting. Unfortunately, Mayor Hart suffered another stroke on January 15, 1891 and died while still in office at the young age of 47.